Grace Guerber
Joan Snyder
ENG102 - First Year Composition
The Road to a Healthier Country
Healthcare in the United States has been a controversial topic for years as our healthcare system is broken, stretched thin and tends to be very expensive. These challenges not only make it harder for individuals to receive adequate care but also contribute to a widespread public health crisis across the country. This largely impacts the lack of preventative care that is used across the country. Preventative care is the foundation of a healthy society, and its underuse has allowed many manageable conditions to progress into life threatening diseases. Certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, strokes, certain cancers, and respiratory diseases can be prevented by diet change, preventative care, and changes made by the FDA regarding the amount of chemicals and preservatives allowed in food. This suggests that the path to better health outcomes involves not only medical interventions but also systemic changes in how food is produced and regulated. There have been frequent stories of people traveling across Europe and not having issues with digestion or having to use insulin and feeling healthier just by eating their food rather than ours. These anecdotal accounts support the growing body of research that suggests American food products contain harmful additives that are either banned or strictly limited in other countries. Approximately 75% of money spent in healthcare goes toward treating preventative diseases and care that is provided focuses on treating symptoms rather than preventing these diseases from occurring in the first place. This statistic reflects a reactive system that prioritizes intervention over prevention, which is both costly and unsustainable in the long term.
Expansion of preventative healthcare is essential to reduce the incidences of preventable diseases, lowering healthcare costs, and creating a more just and effective healthcare system for everyone. This expansion would not only address existing inequities but also pave the way for a healthier, more productive population. Preventable care includes personal lifestyle changes, changes in the healthcare system and how providers treat their patients, and changes in access to healthcare as well as affordability and insurance coverage. These comprehensive measures require collaboration among government agencies, medical professionals, and communities. By addressing healthcare concerns before they escalate into serious medical issues, preventable healthcare not only saves lives but will significantly reduce the financial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. Early intervention is often more cost-effective and efficient than late-stage treatment. Critics may argue that personal responsibility or financial restraints limit the possibilities of large-scale preventative care when in reality, the long-term economic and social advantages outweigh the initial investment. In fact, the cost of not implementing preventative measures is far higher in terms of human suffering and economic drain.
Let's address the history of the issue, poor healthcare and self-care have led to an increasing number of chronic diseases across the United States. This trend has persisted for decades and shows no signs of slowing unless significant changes are made. A rise in cases of chronic diseases has led to a rise in number of deaths related to these diseases as "The most common causes of death in the United States are also among the leading causes of death including heart disease, stroke, cancer, emphysema, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease." (Abir paragraph 3). These conditions are often the result of years of neglected health, which underscores the urgent need for earlier intervention. The main risk factors for these diseases include obesity, diabetes and hypertension, three things that are a large struggle across the nation. These conditions have become normalized in American society despite their deadly consequences. As processed fast food becomes more prevalent in the country, these numbers will only continue to increase and the problem will continue to worsen. The convenience of unhealthy food, coupled with a lack of education about proper nutrition, contributes to this ongoing public health emergency.
Another area the nation lacks in greatly is healthcare in rural areas. These regions are frequently overlooked in national healthcare reform efforts, despite having some of the most critical needs. Many communities lack access to affordable healthcare and healthy food options, making it difficult to manage or prevent these conditions. This lack of access can result in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. As a result, health disparities continue to grow, especially in low-income and underserved areas. Rural residents often face longer travel times to reach care providers, which adds another layer of difficulty. A study conducted by the CDC from 2010-2022 states, "Four of the five leading risk factors for premature death are more prevalent in rural areas of the United States: using tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity, and drinking alcohol or drinking in excess (4,5)." (Garcia, et al. paragraph 2). These behavioral risk factors are made worse by a lack of preventive services and limited health education. The risk factors, combined with limited access to medical facilities and healthcare professionals, create a dangerous cycle of poor outcomes. Breaking this cycle will require targeted investments in infrastructure and outreach programs designed for rural populations.
Millions of Americans are delaying or avoiding essential medical care simply because they cannot afford it. This financial barrier has become a widespread and deeply ingrained issue within the U.S. healthcare system. This is a critical flaw in the healthcare system that must be fixed for a multitude of reasons. People are forced to make difficult decisions, often choosing between groceries, rent, or medical care. "In fact, four in ten adults (43%) reported that they or a family member in their household put off or postponed needed health care due to cost." (Benefits and Barriers to Preventive Care, para 1). These delays can lead to worsening health conditions that become more expensive and complicated to treat. People cannot be expected to make changes and be able to improve their health in a place that makes getting health nearly impossible for some people. The system is stacked against those who need it most. To put it into perspective, "The cost of healthcare in the U.S. is rising fast, representing 17.3% of the gross domestic product in 2022 and expected to increase to 19.7% by 2032." (Marsh McLennan Agency, paragraph 1). These projections highlight the unsustainable path the current system is on and emphasize the need for meaningful reform.
As it stands, there is a large gap between those who have easy access to healthcare and those who do not. This divide creates a healthcare caste system where wealth often determines health outcomes. If the problem goes unresolved, the gap between people with access to healthcare and people who don't will continue to grow, causing higher medical bills and an increase in the cases of avoidable health problems. The longer we wait to address this, the more entrenched these inequities become. As highlighted in an article by the World Health Organization (WHO), "Low-quality care disproportionately impacts the poor, which is not only morally reprehensible, it is economically unsustainable for families and entire countries." (Low Quality Healthcare... Globally, paragraph 6). This global perspective emphasizes that healthcare inequity is not just a local issue-it has far-reaching consequences.
Temporary solutions like health care promotion and encouraging people to take their health into their own hands is a start. While these efforts are commendable, they are not enough without systemic changes that make it possible for everyone to participate. Some people currently have easy access to medical care and take it for granted, it is suggested that adults visit their physicians once a year and receive testing as recommended. These regular checkups are crucial for catching problems early and maintaining overall health. These tests include things such as colonoscopies, mammograms, PAP smears, blood pressure and cholesterol screening, PSA's, vision and hearing tests, and more. Each of these tests plays a critical role in monitoring and detecting common health issues. These tests are imperative for early detection to correct the disease if possible, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. The cost savings associated with early detection are well-documented and substantial.
Circling back to the risk factors that cause the chronic diseases we are addressing, many preventable chronic health issues can be prevented or managed by diet, exercise and eliminating chemicals, dyes and preservatives from your diet. This means prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, reducing sugar and sodium intake, and increasing physical activity levels to maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular health. It also involves being more aware of the ingredients in everyday products and ensuring honesty from food manufacturers. Lifestyle changes have the potential to dramatically improve public health when supported by accessible resources and accurate information. When people are given the tools, education, and opportunities to make healthier choices such as affordable gym memberships, community nutrition programs, and access to clean, nutritious food the collective health of society would begin to shift. These preventative efforts not only enhance individual well being but also decrease dependency on emergency care and long-term medications, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. This could save thousands of people from the harmful effects of preventable diseases.
The benefits that are possible with making changes and increasing preventative care are abundant. These benefits are not only measurable in dollars saved, but in lives improved and extended. Long term solutions include things such as refocusing healthcare from doctors and specialists on preventative care rather than immediate treatment, "the focus on prevention and wellness and the additional time, attention, and access to physicians (ie, higher quality of care delivery) will lead to better health status, lower emergency room (ER) visits and hospital utilization, and ultimately lower health care expenditures" (Musich, et al. para 10). These changes can redefine the healthcare experience for millions of Americans and reduce pressure on overburdened emergency rooms and hospitals.
In summary, the United States is facing a growing crisis in healthcare that is driven by high costs, lack of preventative care, limited rural access to healthcare, and poor dietary standards across the country. This crisis is affecting every demographic, but hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are becoming more common due to unhealthy lifestyles and a healthcare system that bases treatment on being reactive and not proactive. The time for addressing these systemic issues is now. Additionally, many Americans delay seeking care because of financial barriers, and underserved populations, especially in rural areas, suffer the most. The long-term health of the nation depends on making real, sustainable change. Expanding access to affordable, preventative healthcare and making necessary changes to food regulations and healthcare infrastructure is imperative to fixing the issue. These changes must be seen not as luxuries but as necessities for a functioning society. Without these reforms, the burden of preventable disease will continue to rise, impacting individuals, families, and the healthcare system as a whole.
The importance of addressing the flaws in the U.S. healthcare system cannot be overstated or overstressed. Preventative care is a matter of both national wellbeing and moral responsibility to ourselves and to our families. When people cannot afford to take care of their own health, the consequences extend beyond individual suffering, they affect entire communities and the economy as a whole. A population that is unhealthy cannot thrive or contribute effectively to society. Investing in preventative care is not just a health issue, it's a moral, social, and financial imperative. There is no single fix, but rather a combination of actions and policies that will bring about lasting change. A healthier population means lower long-term healthcare costs, a more productive workforce, and fewer lives lost to conditions that could have been avoided. The opportunity to make a difference is here, and it starts with policy, education, and access. Real change starts with acknowledging that access to affordable, quality healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.
Works Cited
Joan Snyder
ENG102 - First Year Composition
The Road to a Healthier Country
Healthcare in the United States has been a controversial topic for years as our healthcare system is broken, stretched thin and tends to be very expensive. These challenges not only make it harder for individuals to receive adequate care but also contribute to a widespread public health crisis across the country. This largely impacts the lack of preventative care that is used across the country. Preventative care is the foundation of a healthy society, and its underuse has allowed many manageable conditions to progress into life threatening diseases. Certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, strokes, certain cancers, and respiratory diseases can be prevented by diet change, preventative care, and changes made by the FDA regarding the amount of chemicals and preservatives allowed in food. This suggests that the path to better health outcomes involves not only medical interventions but also systemic changes in how food is produced and regulated. There have been frequent stories of people traveling across Europe and not having issues with digestion or having to use insulin and feeling healthier just by eating their food rather than ours. These anecdotal accounts support the growing body of research that suggests American food products contain harmful additives that are either banned or strictly limited in other countries. Approximately 75% of money spent in healthcare goes toward treating preventative diseases and care that is provided focuses on treating symptoms rather than preventing these diseases from occurring in the first place. This statistic reflects a reactive system that prioritizes intervention over prevention, which is both costly and unsustainable in the long term.
Expansion of preventative healthcare is essential to reduce the incidences of preventable diseases, lowering healthcare costs, and creating a more just and effective healthcare system for everyone. This expansion would not only address existing inequities but also pave the way for a healthier, more productive population. Preventable care includes personal lifestyle changes, changes in the healthcare system and how providers treat their patients, and changes in access to healthcare as well as affordability and insurance coverage. These comprehensive measures require collaboration among government agencies, medical professionals, and communities. By addressing healthcare concerns before they escalate into serious medical issues, preventable healthcare not only saves lives but will significantly reduce the financial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. Early intervention is often more cost-effective and efficient than late-stage treatment. Critics may argue that personal responsibility or financial restraints limit the possibilities of large-scale preventative care when in reality, the long-term economic and social advantages outweigh the initial investment. In fact, the cost of not implementing preventative measures is far higher in terms of human suffering and economic drain.
Let's address the history of the issue, poor healthcare and self-care have led to an increasing number of chronic diseases across the United States. This trend has persisted for decades and shows no signs of slowing unless significant changes are made. A rise in cases of chronic diseases has led to a rise in number of deaths related to these diseases as "The most common causes of death in the United States are also among the leading causes of death including heart disease, stroke, cancer, emphysema, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease." (Abir paragraph 3). These conditions are often the result of years of neglected health, which underscores the urgent need for earlier intervention. The main risk factors for these diseases include obesity, diabetes and hypertension, three things that are a large struggle across the nation. These conditions have become normalized in American society despite their deadly consequences. As processed fast food becomes more prevalent in the country, these numbers will only continue to increase and the problem will continue to worsen. The convenience of unhealthy food, coupled with a lack of education about proper nutrition, contributes to this ongoing public health emergency.
Another area the nation lacks in greatly is healthcare in rural areas. These regions are frequently overlooked in national healthcare reform efforts, despite having some of the most critical needs. Many communities lack access to affordable healthcare and healthy food options, making it difficult to manage or prevent these conditions. This lack of access can result in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. As a result, health disparities continue to grow, especially in low-income and underserved areas. Rural residents often face longer travel times to reach care providers, which adds another layer of difficulty. A study conducted by the CDC from 2010-2022 states, "Four of the five leading risk factors for premature death are more prevalent in rural areas of the United States: using tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity, and drinking alcohol or drinking in excess (4,5)." (Garcia, et al. paragraph 2). These behavioral risk factors are made worse by a lack of preventive services and limited health education. The risk factors, combined with limited access to medical facilities and healthcare professionals, create a dangerous cycle of poor outcomes. Breaking this cycle will require targeted investments in infrastructure and outreach programs designed for rural populations.
Millions of Americans are delaying or avoiding essential medical care simply because they cannot afford it. This financial barrier has become a widespread and deeply ingrained issue within the U.S. healthcare system. This is a critical flaw in the healthcare system that must be fixed for a multitude of reasons. People are forced to make difficult decisions, often choosing between groceries, rent, or medical care. "In fact, four in ten adults (43%) reported that they or a family member in their household put off or postponed needed health care due to cost." (Benefits and Barriers to Preventive Care, para 1). These delays can lead to worsening health conditions that become more expensive and complicated to treat. People cannot be expected to make changes and be able to improve their health in a place that makes getting health nearly impossible for some people. The system is stacked against those who need it most. To put it into perspective, "The cost of healthcare in the U.S. is rising fast, representing 17.3% of the gross domestic product in 2022 and expected to increase to 19.7% by 2032." (Marsh McLennan Agency, paragraph 1). These projections highlight the unsustainable path the current system is on and emphasize the need for meaningful reform.
As it stands, there is a large gap between those who have easy access to healthcare and those who do not. This divide creates a healthcare caste system where wealth often determines health outcomes. If the problem goes unresolved, the gap between people with access to healthcare and people who don't will continue to grow, causing higher medical bills and an increase in the cases of avoidable health problems. The longer we wait to address this, the more entrenched these inequities become. As highlighted in an article by the World Health Organization (WHO), "Low-quality care disproportionately impacts the poor, which is not only morally reprehensible, it is economically unsustainable for families and entire countries." (Low Quality Healthcare... Globally, paragraph 6). This global perspective emphasizes that healthcare inequity is not just a local issue-it has far-reaching consequences.
Temporary solutions like health care promotion and encouraging people to take their health into their own hands is a start. While these efforts are commendable, they are not enough without systemic changes that make it possible for everyone to participate. Some people currently have easy access to medical care and take it for granted, it is suggested that adults visit their physicians once a year and receive testing as recommended. These regular checkups are crucial for catching problems early and maintaining overall health. These tests include things such as colonoscopies, mammograms, PAP smears, blood pressure and cholesterol screening, PSA's, vision and hearing tests, and more. Each of these tests plays a critical role in monitoring and detecting common health issues. These tests are imperative for early detection to correct the disease if possible, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. The cost savings associated with early detection are well-documented and substantial.
Circling back to the risk factors that cause the chronic diseases we are addressing, many preventable chronic health issues can be prevented or managed by diet, exercise and eliminating chemicals, dyes and preservatives from your diet. This means prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, reducing sugar and sodium intake, and increasing physical activity levels to maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular health. It also involves being more aware of the ingredients in everyday products and ensuring honesty from food manufacturers. Lifestyle changes have the potential to dramatically improve public health when supported by accessible resources and accurate information. When people are given the tools, education, and opportunities to make healthier choices such as affordable gym memberships, community nutrition programs, and access to clean, nutritious food the collective health of society would begin to shift. These preventative efforts not only enhance individual well being but also decrease dependency on emergency care and long-term medications, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. This could save thousands of people from the harmful effects of preventable diseases.
The benefits that are possible with making changes and increasing preventative care are abundant. These benefits are not only measurable in dollars saved, but in lives improved and extended. Long term solutions include things such as refocusing healthcare from doctors and specialists on preventative care rather than immediate treatment, "the focus on prevention and wellness and the additional time, attention, and access to physicians (ie, higher quality of care delivery) will lead to better health status, lower emergency room (ER) visits and hospital utilization, and ultimately lower health care expenditures" (Musich, et al. para 10). These changes can redefine the healthcare experience for millions of Americans and reduce pressure on overburdened emergency rooms and hospitals.
In summary, the United States is facing a growing crisis in healthcare that is driven by high costs, lack of preventative care, limited rural access to healthcare, and poor dietary standards across the country. This crisis is affecting every demographic, but hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are becoming more common due to unhealthy lifestyles and a healthcare system that bases treatment on being reactive and not proactive. The time for addressing these systemic issues is now. Additionally, many Americans delay seeking care because of financial barriers, and underserved populations, especially in rural areas, suffer the most. The long-term health of the nation depends on making real, sustainable change. Expanding access to affordable, preventative healthcare and making necessary changes to food regulations and healthcare infrastructure is imperative to fixing the issue. These changes must be seen not as luxuries but as necessities for a functioning society. Without these reforms, the burden of preventable disease will continue to rise, impacting individuals, families, and the healthcare system as a whole.
The importance of addressing the flaws in the U.S. healthcare system cannot be overstated or overstressed. Preventative care is a matter of both national wellbeing and moral responsibility to ourselves and to our families. When people cannot afford to take care of their own health, the consequences extend beyond individual suffering, they affect entire communities and the economy as a whole. A population that is unhealthy cannot thrive or contribute effectively to society. Investing in preventative care is not just a health issue, it's a moral, social, and financial imperative. There is no single fix, but rather a combination of actions and policies that will bring about lasting change. A healthier population means lower long-term healthcare costs, a more productive workforce, and fewer lives lost to conditions that could have been avoided. The opportunity to make a difference is here, and it starts with policy, education, and access. Real change starts with acknowledging that access to affordable, quality healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.
Works Cited
